There’s a touching surprise in store on EastEnders next week as Nigel takes a bold step to show just how much Julie means to him, but his heartfelt gesture doesn’t quite go to plan at first, and it leaves more than one Walford resident caught off guard.

After weeks of quietly deepening their bond, Nigel decides it’s time to do something special for Julie. She’s been keeping herself busy recently by tutoring Lily Slater, but things don’t exactly run smoothly during one of their sessions. When Nigel stops by, his well-meaning but clumsy comments unintentionally upset Julie, throwing the lesson off course.

Sensing that something’s bothering Julie, Jean checks in on her. The two women share a heartfelt conversation, and it’s clear just how much Jean values Julie as a friend. Over a quiet heart-to-heart, Julie opens up about how difficult it can be to balance everything, from helping others, to coping with her own emotions and figuring out what comes next in this new chapter of her life.

Later that day, Nigel finds himself in the café, deep in thought. With encouragement from Oscar, he comes up with an idea to show Julie how much he appreciates her and everything she’s been through. After a life filled with challenges, Nigel believes it’s time Julie experienced some joy. He hatches a plan for a surprise trip of a lifetime: a holiday to India, a country she’s always dreamed of visiting.

Oscar is impressed by the gesture, but Nigel is unsure how to make it happen financially. That’s when Oscar suggests something bold: selling Nigel’s car to help fund the trip. Despite knowing how much his beloved vehicle means to him, Nigel begins to consider it, especially if it means giving Julie a memory she’ll never forget.

Oscar takes things into his own hands and sells the car. To mark the moment, he suggests they take one final spin before letting it go. But when Julie catches them, she’s far from impressed. She quickly puts a stop to their mini adventure and reminds Nigel, somewhat sharply, that he can’t drive anymore.

Later that evening, Julie unwinds with Jean at The Vic. The pair share a drink and a few laughs, and Jean encourages Julie to focus on the good that’s around her, and not let life’s little hiccups bring her down. It’s a welcome moment of calm after the earlier chaos, and it helps Julie reset.

But just as she begins to relax, Nigel delivers the news he’s been nervously holding onto: he’s taking her to India. Julie is left completely stunned by the grand gesture, not just by the scale of it, but by the thought and effort Nigel has gone to. She’s deeply touched, and though still surprised, it’s clear how much it means to her.

Meanwhile, not all the romance is happening with the older generation. Young love is blooming elsewhere in the Square as Oscar’s efforts in the dating department finally pay off. He’s over the moon when Jasmine agrees to go on a date with him, clearly impressed by his spontaneous charm and maybe even his romantic ideas. After all, he did just help plan a surprise trip to India!

As Walford gears up for more drama in the weeks ahead, this lighter, heartfelt storyline brings a welcome dose of warmth and humour.